Libya: Victory against violence

The result is an upsurge in accidents. Two hospitals in Tripoli have tallied 1,000 victims, half of them under the age of 25, since the start of 2012, according to Shane Brady, Handicap International's small arms risk education manager.

Victims arrive in the city's hospitals with injuries from fighting, family disputes, demonstrations and even celebrations. The weapons became commonplace when forces loyal to Mouammar Gaddafi opened weapons stockpiles, and various states delivered arms at the start of the conflict in 2011.

These accidents are avoidable. Handicap International has been raising awareness of the dangers that weapons pose among civilians and local organizations.

A Victory Against Violence To coincide with the first anniversary of the August 9 liberation of Tripoli, Handicap International distributed hundreds of leaflets, awareness posters and t-shirts printed with the slogan “I'm a Libyan, I'm against weapons” in Tripoli's Martyrs Square. Tripoli is Libya's worst-affected city by access to small arms and light weapons.

At the same time, on the same square, tensions broke out between some 40 armed rebels, initially leading to fist fights. The militiamen then waved their weapons around and pointed them at their opponents. Civilians started to flee the area, fearing a gun battle. Several people who had visited Handicap International's stand shouted out to the insurgents to condemn their behavior, asking them to respect the organization's recommendations.

“The fact that these civilians intervened shows that they had taken our message on board and that we directly prevented a number of accidents,” Brady said. “As calm returned to the square, Handicap International was able to explain to the militiamen the disastrous consequences of this score-settling. No shots were fired and the worst was avoided. We scored a victory against violence, thanks to the support of civilians. It's a first step towards a more general realization of the damage weapons can do.

“This campaign requires the support of people across the country — civilians, local organizations and national institutions.We are currently working in close cooperation with the Ministry for Education to train school teachers to explain the dangers posed by these weapons to their students. They will act as key intermediaries in limiting accidents among teenagers, the group worst affected in Libya.”

Showing 1 reaction

Raymond Stokes commented
2016-11-02 06:41:17 -0400

I think the idea with the leaflets and t-shirts is a good one. But the support of people across the country is crucial here. If there’s no support, the victory against violence wouldn’t be possible. Everything is in hands of people who live in the country.
Ray
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Handicap International's most prestigious awards include:

2011 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize

For our assistance to people with disabilities in situations of poverty, exclusion, conflict and disaster.

1997 Nobel Peace Prize

For campaign success with our partners at the International Campaign to Ban Landmines in creating the 1997 Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty, which bans the deployment, stockpiling, production and sale of anti-personnel mines, and ensures their destruction.

1996 United Nations Nansen Refugee Award

For our service to refugees as well as our contributions to the elimination of landmines.